In Mexico, young people from Generation Z (18 to 28 years old) start their first jobs with great enthusiasm, but that motivation quickly fades.
The 2025 Organizational Happiness Report indicates that the country has recorded the sharpest decline in the region: up to 18 percentage points less in job happiness after the first year on the job.
In contrast, older generations show stability. Baby Boomers (57 to 75 years old) maintain happiness levels close to 94%, regardless of seniority or job changes. This gap reveals a phenomenon known as the honeymoon-hangover effect: the difference between young people’s high initial expectations and the reality they find within companies.
From Motivation to Frustration
The experiences of young workers reflect this decline. Iván Servín, a 27-year-old filmmaker, says his enthusiasm is sustained by his passion for filming and editing, but admits that working conditions weigh heavily:
“I think my happiness level is around 8, because I like filming and editing,” he says, according to Heraldo de México.
“Something that frustrates me is that there’s no solid foundation in marketing; things are always changing. And also the fact that I don’t have much free time; I only get a day and a half off,” he added.
The report confirms that the main factors of dissatisfaction among Generation Z are a lack of work-life balance and rigid schedules.
The burden of precariousness
For other young people, the initial motivation is more linked to necessity than enthusiasm. Carlos Bonilla, a 26-year-old industrial designer, explains that he took his job for financial reasons and to gain experience.
“What motivated me most was the financial aspect and gaining experience, because many jobs ask for experience, but don’t give it to you,” he explained.
Over time, her employment situation has become more favorable compared to previous jobs where she lacked a contract and benefits; however, she still perceives limitations that impact her well-being.
Ideally, they should at least pay overtime. It would be nice if they compensated for those hours, because they’re wasted hours of your life. I also think schedules should be more humane, because it’s not nice not to invest quality time in your life.”
Statistics back this up: companies with fewer than 60% happy employees register 9.4 points higher turnover than those with more than 90%. This turnover directly impacts hiring, training, and productivity costs.
Monotony and Early Leaving
In some cases, disillusionment sets in before even a year has passed. Lilyan, 25, who works in the restaurant industry, rates her job happiness at just 3 out of 10.
“Honestly, it wasn’t what I expected, and it’s really tedious doing the same thing every day. My motivation has gradually diminished, and now I’m just saving money to pursue something else,” she confesses.
According to her, monotony, stress, and the need to meet deadlines increase her discontent.
“What makes me feel less happy is monotony and stress. Furthermore, we’re burdened with more activities and everything becomes very routine,” he said.
The report indicates that Mexico and Chile are the countries where Generation Z experiences the most drastic drops in workplace happiness, while in Colombia and Peru, levels remain more stable thanks to more consistent organizational environments.
More than a morale problem, a financial challenge
The study warns that workplace happiness not only influences personal well-being but also the financial health of companies. Those with higher levels of employee satisfaction have better gross profit margins and lower financial risk.
In fact, for every additional point on the NHS index, the probability of falling into the 10% of companies with the worst margins decreases by 4%.
According to Milenio, this indicates that demotivation among young workers not only represents a challenge for human resources departments, but can also affect the profitability and continuity of organizations.
Happiness in the workplace directly influences companies’ financial results.
In Mexico, Working conditions have become a topic of public discussion. Movements such as #YoPorLas40Horas, which promotes reducing the work week, and the Silla Law, which requires breaks for employees who work standing up, demonstrate the social pressure to change the way work is organized.
Generation Z is not only setting trends in job satisfaction, but also sending a clear warning: without fair conditions, reasonable hours, and real opportunities for growth, young people will not stay in their jobs. This decision not only affects their well-being, but also challenges Mexico to rethink what the future of work will look like.
Source: elimparcial
